10 Florida Seafood Restaurants Locals Say Are Better Than Fancy Resorts

Florida’s coastline means seafood is never far, but locals often skip the resort dining rooms and head to smaller spots that focus on freshness and comfort. I looked for restaurants with a steady reputation among residents, where the seafood comes first and the atmosphere feels relaxed. Here are some that stand out across the state.

1. Owen’s Fish Camp, Sarasota

You feel like you’ve been invited to a friend’s backyard when you step into Owen’s Fish Camp. Old live oak trees drape the yard, and picnic tables fill up fast with all sorts of folks, locals, tourists, families, and couples. There’s often live music, but it never gets loud enough to drown out the hum of conversation.

The menu champions Gulf catches like grouper and mullet, cooked simply and plated generously. You’ll see seafood boils, steamed clams, and hush puppies carried out by servers who actually look you in the eye. Prices keep things accessible, so you won’t worry about breaking your budget here.

Owen’s never tries to be something it’s not. It’s casual, honest, and puts fresh seafood front and center. Locals keep coming back because they know exactly what they’re getting: consistency, friendly vibes, and a real taste of Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s the kind of place where you can linger long after your plate is empty, just enjoying the scene.

2. Hunt’s Oyster Bar, Panama City

Walking into Hunt’s Oyster Bar feels like stepping into a local legend. The place still has the charm of a 1960s seafood joint, with no pretense and plenty of personality. Oysters are the main event, shucked right in front of you and served ice cold.

Fried seafood baskets come out hot and satisfying, packed with shrimp, fish, or scallops. Locals love that nothing here is overdone or fussy. Instead, it’s about classic flavors and reliable quality.

The staff works quickly but always has a minute to swap stories or recommend a favorite dish. That steady reputation draws regulars year after year. Hunt’s has become a go-to for anyone in Florida’s Panhandle who wants honest food at a fair price, all in a space that feels like home.

3. Dixie Crossroads, Titusville

Dixie Crossroads stands out for its devotion to one thing: rock shrimp. The dining room feels straightforward, almost old-fashioned, but there’s comfort in that. You’ll notice baskets of these sweet, lobster-like shrimp on almost every table.

Open since 1983, this spot centers on what’s fresh and local. Rock shrimp is the highlight, but the menu also features Florida favorites like grouper and catfish. Hush puppies arrive hot, and the sides are always plentiful.

What keeps people coming back, besides the shrimp, is the balance of value and hospitality. Staff move with the focus of folks who know their regulars by name. Dixie Crossroads is a staple for Titusville locals who want seafood done simply and done right, every single time.

4. Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant, Mayport

At Safe Harbor, you’re right where the action happens. Boats pull up to the docks and unload their catches, so the menu shifts with whatever’s fresh that day. If you care about knowing where your food comes from, this is your kind of place.

Picnic tables line the water, letting you watch the river while you eat. Options range from grilled mahi-mahi to fried shrimp, and you can always count on the taste being as fresh as it gets. The seafood market lets you take home your favorite finds, too.

Locals flock here after work, on weekends, or whenever they want an easygoing meal. Safe Harbor keeps things simple and direct, focusing on quality rather than flash. For many in Northeast Florida, this is the top pick for dock-to-table seafood.

5. Crabby Bill’s, Indian Rocks Beach

Since opening in 1983, Crabby Bill’s has become a fixture on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The place looks like it’s been lived in, with neon signs, beachy touches, and walls covered in local history. Grouper sandwiches and steamed clams headline the menu, but peel-and-eat shrimp are always a crowd favorite.

Locals rely on Crabby Bill’s for casual meals where shorts and flip flops are always welcome. It’s the kind of spot where you see beachgoers and boaters rubbing elbows with regulars. Prices are fair, and service moves at a relaxed, unhurried pace.

People come for the seafood but stay for the easy spirit and community feel. Crabby Bill’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a local tradition, passed down through generations of Floridians who know where to find the good stuff.

6. Star Fish Company, Cortez

There’s a salty honesty to the Star Fish Company. Operating as both a fish market and a seafood shack, it sits right at the heart of Old Florida fishing territory. Fried baskets, stuffed with mullet, shrimp, or oysters, are the usual order, alongside fries and hush puppies.

You eat with your hands, often overlooking the water as boats drift by. There’s nothing fancy about the setup, picnic tables, paper trays, and the scent of the bay. The focus is on the day’s freshest catch, not presentation.

Regulars love that Star Fish Company never changes. It’s the kind of place where you might spot a fisherman hauling in a net as you eat. In a state packed with flashy restaurants, this spot sticks to the basics and wins every time.

7. Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, Key Largo

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen feels like a slice of old Key Largo. The interior is packed with license plates, vintage signs, and a jumble of memorabilia that makes you feel part of the family. Mahi-mahi and conch fritters headline the menu, fresh and unpretentious.

What stands out is the homemade quality of every dish. Generous portions arrive quickly, and there’s no rush to clear your table. The Key lime pie is a local favorite, tart and creamy with a crumbly crust.

Travelers and Floridians alike return for the warmth, not just the food. The place buzzes with regulars swapping stories and newcomers planning their next visit. Mrs. Mac’s doesn’t try to impress, it just serves good food, every single time.

8. DJ’s Clam Shack, Key West

DJ’s Clam Shack takes its cue from both New England and Florida, blending clam shack classics with South Florida flair. Lobster rolls sit next to fried shrimp baskets and fish tacos, each one prepared to order at the walk-up counter.

You won’t find tablecloths or fancy seating, just benches and a shaded patio. The vibe is fun and a little quirky, perfect for a quick bite after a stroll through Old Town Key West. Friendly staff keep the line moving and offer plenty of local advice.

DJ’s has earned its place as a local staple by staying true to what works: fresh seafood, affordable prices, and zero pretense. It’s a spot that feels like Key West itself, easygoing, welcoming, and always a little offbeat.

9. Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish, St. Petersburg

Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish has been part of Florida’s seafood story for decades. The red-and-white roadside sign feels like a time capsule from the 1950s, and the aroma of smoked fish greets you as soon as you park. Platters of smoked mackerel, mullet, and a creamy fish spread are what regulars crave.

The menu is simple and never changes much. You’ll find yourself among retirees, families, and curious travelers, all drawn by the same promise of honest, smoky flavor. Picnic tables under broad umbrellas make unhurried lunches a pleasure.

This spot brings a sense of nostalgia that’s hard to fake. For many St. Petersburg locals, Ted Peters isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a piece of their childhood, still serving up memories with every bite.

10. The Crab Plant, Crystal River

The Crab Plant stands out for its commitment to doing things the old way. Family-owned since the 1970s, this spot combines a seafood market and a small restaurant with no need for flash. Blue crabs get top billing, steamed until sweet and tender, then served up with simple sides.

You’ll find tables by the water, where the view is as satisfying as the meal. Guests pick apart crabs, share platters of shrimp, and chat with staff who know the river and its rhythms. The market lets you take home the day’s catch, too.

Locals appreciate The Crab Plant for staying true to its roots. It’s a place where tradition matters, seafood stays the star, and every meal feels unhurried. In a state full of change, The Crab Plant reminds you some things are better left as they are.